The Seleccao are under extreme pressure going into their second Group B match at Euro 2012 after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Germany on Saturday.

An early exit by Portugal in the tournament could seriously hurt Ronaldo's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or award, and Meireles is keen to help his compatriot reclaim the prestigious accolade from Lionel Messi.

"He is a great friend and the best player in the world," Meireles told Goal.com. "We will have to win the next match for him, and also for us.

"Cristiano does not like to lose. It is normal that these matches are very important to him as he gets very frustrated by defeats, just like it happened against Germany."